Bennington County, Vermont Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bennington County, Vermont?

Arrest records in Bennington County, Vermont are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including those related to arrests and law enforcement activities. The Vermont Public Records Act specifically designates records of arrests as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases as outlined in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c).

The Bennington County law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:

• Ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system
• Facilitating public oversight of law enforcement activities
• Providing necessary information for background checks and public safety
• Supporting the constitutional principle of open government

Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain restrictions related to sealed or expunged records, juvenile cases, or active investigations that are exempt from disclosure under Vermont statute.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bennington County?

Bennington County provides limited online access to arrest records through several official digital platforms. Pursuant to Vermont's Electronic Access to Court Records Rule (VREF), certain court records, including those related to arrests, may be accessed electronically. The Vermont Judiciary Information Center maintains a centralized database that includes some Bennington County arrest information.

The Bennington County Sheriff's Department maintains an online database of current inmate information and recent arrest records. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with Vermont's public information regulations. Additionally, the Bennington Police Department provides limited arrest information through their official website.

Online access is subject to the following statutory limitations:

• Records sealed by court order under 13 V.S.A. § 7602 are not available online
• Juvenile records protected under 33 V.S.A. § 5117 remain confidential
• Cases involving certain sensitive matters as defined in 1 V.S.A. § 317(c) may be restricted
• Records may be redacted to protect personal identifying information

Users should note that comprehensive arrest history information may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency offices.

How to Look Up Bennington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bennington County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The Vermont Public Records Act establishes that custodians of public records shall make records available for inspection or copying during customary business hours.

Official channels for obtaining arrest records include:

• Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC): The designated central repository for criminal history information in Vermont. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:

  Vermont Criminal Information Center
  45 State Drive
  Waterbury, VT 05671-1300
  (802) 244-8727
  Vermont Department of Public Safety

• Bennington County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained at:

  Bennington County Superior Court
  207 South Street
  Bennington, VT 05201
  (802) 447-2700

• Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Direct requests may be made to the arresting agency:

  Bennington Police Department
  118 South Street
  Bennington, VT 05201
  (802) 442-1030
  Bennington Police Department

  Bennington County Sheriff's Department
  811 US Route 7
  Bennington, VT 05201
  (802) 442-4900
  Bennington County Sheriff's Department

Requestors must complete the appropriate forms and may be required to pay statutory fees for record searches and copies. Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 316, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the cost of copying and staff time associated with processing requests.

Contents of a Bennington County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Bennington County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Vermont statute and administrative regulations. These documents serve as official records of interactions between individuals and law enforcement resulting in arrest.

Standard information contained in Bennington County arrest records includes:

• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks, hair and eye color)
• Date, time, and location of the arrest
• Statutory charges filed, including citation of applicable Vermont laws
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
• Fingerprint information collected pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2061
• Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
• Preliminary court appearance information
• Bail or detention status determination

These records are maintained in accordance with the Vermont Criminal Justice Information System standards and the Vermont Records Management Program requirements. Pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 218, all public agencies must establish and maintain an active records management program.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bennington County

Vermont law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal framework for this process is established in 13 V.S.A. § 7601-7610, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedures.

Individuals may petition for expungement of Bennington County arrest records if:

• The arrest did not result in a criminal charge
• The charge was dismissed before trial with prejudice
• The individual was acquitted of all charges
• The conviction was for a qualifying misdemeanor or felony after the statutory waiting period
• The case meets other criteria specified in 13 V.S.A. § 7602

The petition process requires filing with the Bennington County Superior Court:

Bennington County Superior Court
207 South Street
Bennington, VT 05201
(802) 447-2700

Upon successful expungement, all records of the arrest are sealed or destroyed pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7606. Law enforcement agencies, the Vermont Crime Information Center, and the courts are required to remove these records from public access. The legal effect of expungement is that the arrest is treated as if it never occurred, and the individual may lawfully state they were never arrested for the expunged offense.

The Vermont Attorney General's Office provides guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures through their Expungement Unit:

Vermont Attorney General's Office - Expungement Unit
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609
(802) 828-3171

Search Arrest Records in Bennington County

• Bennington County Sheriff's Department
• Bennington Town Clerk Records
• Bennington Police Department